Kissimmee's Filming & Production: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles filming & production a little differently. In Kissimmee, Florida, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Street Closures

A Kissimmee production permit application must spell out the necessity for closing any public street or sidewalk and for how long, one of thirteen required disclosures under the city's Motion Photography Production Permit Ordinance. Applications go in five to 180 days ahead of filming, and the city manager's office reviews and can require insurance, a performance bond, and reimbursement for extraordinary services.

Key details: Street closure disclosure required: § 10-216(b)(6). Application window: 5 to 180 days before filming. General liability insurance minimum: $1,000,000. Pyrotechnics/explosives insurance minimum: $5,000,000. Permitting authority: city manager or designee.

Filming or engaging in a production without the required permit, or violating an issued permit's terms such as an approved street closure plan, is punishable under the general penalty in § 1-22 per §§ 10-215(a) and 10-220(a). Noncompliance with permit terms triggers immediate oral suspension followed by a written suspension order, and continued violation after suspension can lead to revocation of the permit by the city manager or a designee.

Location Permits

Anyone shooting a commercial motion picture, TV, or video production in Kissimmee involving city property, equipment, tents, or pyrotechnics must get a production permit from the city manager before filming, filed 5 to 180 days ahead.

Key details: Permit required: Yes, before filming starts. Filing window: 5-180 days ahead. Insurance minimum: $1,000,000 general liability. Issuing authority: City manager or designee.

Filming, advertising, or participating in a production without a permit is punishable under section 1-22; failing to follow permit terms triggers suspension, and continued noncompliance can lead to revocation.

The Bottom Line

Kissimmee's filming & production rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Kissimmee is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Kissimmee's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.